​Queen acknowledges YWAM Medical Ships’ services

The managing directors of YWAM Medical Ships and 1300SMILES have been recognised by the Queen in Papua New Guinea’s 2017 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Ken Mulligan and Dr Daryl Holmes have both been awarded with an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE). The award has been granted in recognition of their leadership and personal commitment to the work that YWAM Medical Ships is doing in collaboration with national and provincial health authorities in remote areas of the Southern region and Morobe Province.

The announcement of the award follows the completion of the MV YWAM PNG’s most recent deployment to Papua New Guinea. Over 290,000 healthcare and training services were delivered, including direct care to over 29,000 patients in hundreds of remote villages.

PNG Patron for YWAM Medical Ships, Sir Rabbie Namaliu, said he was delighted that both Mulligan and Dr Holmes had been publicly acknowledged for their service in Papua New Guinea.

“This esteemed award is another wonderful achievement that helps affirm and strengthen YWAM’s commitment to PNG. 

“YWAM Medical Ships continues to be an organisation that I’m very proud to be a part of. I congratulate Ken and Daryl on their visionary leadership and the many lives that have been touched because of their commitment,” said Sir Rabbie.

Dr Daryl Holmes has supported YWAM Medical Ships since they began their operations in 2010. Dr Holmes’ support has included volunteering as a dentist on YWAM’s medical ships on an annual basis, promoting volunteering opportunities to 1300SMILES’ staff and dentists, and connecting YWAM with major dental companies – including Henry Schein Halas, who recently donated four brand new dental chairs for the MV YWAM PNG’s dental clinic.

Director Mulligan said he was humbled and privileged to receive an OBE.

“We receive this wonderful honour on behalf of so many people who have worked tirelessly and voluntarily for the people of Papua New Guinea.  

“What a wonderful time to receive this honour as we celebrate the completion of another successful outreach. We are continually grateful to the PNG National Government, provincial government departments, and the many businesses and individuals who have helped touch thousands of lives in remote areas of Papua New Guinea,” said Mulligan.

The MV YWAM PNG is currently docked in Townsville where the vessel will undergo further renovations and routine maintenance before she returns to PNG in October for another 8-month deployment to the Southern region and Morobe Province.

(Ken Mulligan, right, and Dr Daryl Holmes)

Author: 
Press release